On June 15-17, 2023, members from the 55 U.S. architecture licensing boards convened for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) 2023 Annual Business Meeting. The meeting provided a forum for NCARB members to elect the incoming Board of Directors, vote on resolutions—including a proposal to update NCARB’s governance structure—and shape the agenda for the Council’s next fiscal year (which begins on July 1). During the meeting, attendees also had the opportunity to hear a keynote speech from architect Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, FRAIC, engage in workshops covering a variety of important topics, and receive updates on NCARB’s work over the past year.

Celebrating FY23

On Thursday, FY23 President Bayliss Ward, NCARB, AIA, highlighted NCARB’s accomplishments over the past year. During his remarks, Ward provided an update on the two special task forces exploring the future iteration of the path to licensure. He also highlighted several changes made during the year, including the retirement of the rolling clock policy, the launch of a new mutual recognition agreement with the United Kingdom, and more.

“Building relationships, carrying the message, and listening to the communities we impact is all a part of the work I’ve savored over the past 12 months,” said Ward. “While it hasn’t always been easy, and the path hasn’t always been clear, I know that by walking this path together we are achieving great things.”

Ward also reflected on NCARB’s ongoing efforts to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all levels of the organization, as well as ways that NCARB strengthened its external partnerships throughout the year.

Addressing Future Challenges

Thursday’s business wrapped up with a keynote presentation from founder and creative director of Practice for Architecture and Urbanism | PAU, Vishaan Chakrabarti. During the session, Chakrabarti explored how the practice of architecture can move to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

“Architects and the people who regulate architecture should be striving for a more connected world, in what is today a very disconnected world,” said Chakrabarti. “Design has a big role to play in that.”

End-of-Year Updates

Attendees received an update on NCARB’s current financial status from Treasurer Edward T. Marley, NCARB, AIA, LEED AP. This report will be available later in 2023 as part of NCARB’s FY23 Annual Report.

NCARB CEO Michael Armstrong provided an update on the organization’s efforts on key initiatives during the past fiscal year, highlighting ways that NCARB has gone further to improve our programs and services, listen to consumer feedback, and use data to make future-focused decisions.

“We serve a business need to our members and to the profession. To be successful, we have to lean into change,” said Armstrong. “We intentionally work on evolution so that we can continue meeting the needs of our customers, our Member Boards, and the public.”

Looking Ahead to FY24

Incoming FY24 President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, shared his vision for the year ahead. During his term, Baker plans to initiate an exploration of additional pathways to licensure that acknowledge the value of a variety of educational backgrounds—ensuring that earning a license is accessible for all candidates.

“This is a year we’re going to work on important regulation while also balancing that with innovation,” said Baker. "Through our efforts we have the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusion and support emerging talent that comes from a variety of areas."

Additionally, Baker will continue the work initiated by several NCARB past presidents, including developing the next evolution of NCARB’s programs, supporting DEI efforts throughout the organization, and exploring best practices when it comes to regulating incidental practice across design professions.

Resolutions

During the meeting, members voted on several resolutions—including a vote to update NCARB’s governance structure. The new model, which was passed by NCARB’s membership, merges several officer positions and creates two at-large director positions on the Board of Directors, streamlining the leadership timeline and encouraging greater representation on the Board. Members also retired several historical resolutions in conflict with current Council policies and updated the Model Rules of Conduct to address evolving areas of professional practice. 

FY24 Board of Directors

Delegates elected members of the FY24 NCARB Board of Directors. Members of the FY24 Board of Directors include:

  • President Jon Alan Baker, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Vice President Kenneth R. Van Tine, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Second Vice President Edward T. Marley, NCARB, AIA, LEED AP
  • Treasurer John Patrick Rademacher, NCARB, AIA, NOMA
  • Secretary Sylvia Kwan, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP
  • Past President Bayliss Ward, NCARB, AIA
  • Director, Region 1 Jennifer R. Arbuckle, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
  • Director, Region 2 George H. Miller, NCARB, FAIA
  • Director, Region 3 Miguel A. Rodriguez, FAIA, NCARB, NOMA
  • Director, Region 4 Margaret (Meg) S. Parsons, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, ALEP
  • Director, Region 5 Lenora A. Isom, RA, NCARB
  • Director, Region 6 Scott E. Harm, AIA, NCARB
  • Member Board Executive Director Cathe M. Evans
  • Public Director Stephanie V. Hopkins